Urbanist Guidehttp://sandiego.urbanistguide.com
The City UnfoldsTue, 26 Sep 2017 22:04:54 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.2Interactive 80’s exhibit now open downtownhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UrbanistGuide/~3/f_oUaqC4ONU/
Mon, 11 Sep 2017 20:07:23 +0000http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/?p=19500Okay, not really. But Coin-Op’s new arcade bar downtown celebrates the 80s with so much retro flair that it’s practically a museum exhibit. Truly, no relic of the 80s better embodies that wayward age than the arcade. While the 60s had flower power, and the 70s had disco, the 80s mostly endures as the golden age of […]

]]>Okay, not really. But Coin-Op’s new arcade bar downtown celebrates the 80s with so much retro flair that it’s practically a museum exhibit.

Truly, no relic of the 80s better embodies that wayward age than the arcade. While the 60s had flower power, and the 70s had disco, the 80s mostly endures as the golden age of kitsch. The decade left behind a pop culture residue draped in garish colors, neon lights, bad hair, and cheap plastic toys. These bodacious times deserve nothing but the best campy remembrance, and Coin-Op provides it.

Rainbow colored lines inspired by the Atari logo welcome players at the entrance, columns throughout the space feature color-coded cutouts of Tetris shapes, neon light tubes cut geometric patterns on the ceiling. Behind the bar, there’s a glassed-in diorama like you might find in one of the historic adobe structures of Old Town.

Except instead of depicting what daily life was like in the 18th century, it’s set up like a 80s teen’s bedroom. Instead of frontier-time cooking utensils and furniture, there’s a bunk bed and a collection of 80s posters, toys, and technologies. It’s an eclectic, nostalgic collection, referencing boom boxes, Lite Brite, Simon Says, Bo Jackson, Hulk Hogan, Gordon Shumway, Castle Grayskull, Nintendo consoles, and VHS tapes.

Of course, like the original North Park location, this Coin-Op is really about providing a place to eat, drink, and play old school video games.

This Coin-Op’s got three times the space, and more than twice the number of games. Its 48 stand-up game cabinets include ten pinball machines, four Super Shot basketball games, five Skeeball lanes, and the animatronic fortune teller Zoltar, made famous by the movie Big.

There are also four tabletop modules at the front that you may drink and dine on, each with a menu of 64 classic games. In the back corner, another tabletop game — multiplayer Pac Man — lets up to four Pac people compete for pellets and ghosts.

If that’s not OG enough for you, there’s also a Ms. Pac Man cabinet in there somewhere, plus plenty of old school games to rekindle memories: think Ikari Warriors, Off Road, Punch Out, and Dig Dug. Millennials might not feel the same twinge of nostalgia, but I’m sure a couple of cocktails will help them enjoy this ancient technology from an anthropological perspective. For example, the game Paper Boy might answer the question: What was a paper route? Even if it leads to further questions, like: Why would anyone turn the job of delivering newspapers into a videogame? And: What is a newspaper, anyway?

The first Sunday of the month is free play day at Coin-Op. That might not feel as special as it did when I was a broke-ass teen with a lousy paying paper route, but at least now I can use all the quarters I save to tip my bartender.

]]>1. Mr. Nice Guy
Madison on Park has made cannabis cocktails a thing. Don’t expect to get high drinking Mr. Nice Guy —it’s merely flavored with non-psychoactive cannabidiol oil. But what a killer twist to a mezcal cocktail made with matcha, pineapple, coconut milk and lime.

2. The Walker
Local group Bird Bath got miniature for the simple yet damn near perfect retro video concept for their jangly pop tune The Walker. Another band worth watching for fans of singer Gary Hankins.

4. Soi 30th
North Park got a tasty new Thai spot this month. In addition to great rice, noodle, and curry dishes, the place offers unique fusion twists like a Thai Burger involving coconut milk! Even better, check out the rad art work!

5. Crushing It
Our favorite Cohort Collective cohorts Carly Ealey and Christopher Konecki teamed up on this sizzling mural at Park and J Street. Catch Carly live-painting a new permanent mural at the Del Mar Fairgrounds during Kaaboo in September!

]]>http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/blog/urbanist-high-five-7/It’s time to buy in to local musichttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UrbanistGuide/~3/b-5_42d8d-E/
Sat, 19 Aug 2017 22:02:06 +0000http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/?p=19393Rich people never make great music. You know it. I know it. This is just one of those universal truths; like republicans make terrible dancers, and vegans are horrible at comedy. The people who make great music do so by giving all their time and energy and opportunity over to a singular passion: making great […]

]]>Rich people never make great music. You know it. I know it. This is just one of those universal truths; like republicans make terrible dancers, and vegans are horrible at comedy. The people who make great music do so by giving all their time and energy and opportunity over to a singular passion: making great music.

If you’ve been proud of your friends playing in local bands, you’ve seen this. They’re the ones who pour all their resources into musical instruments (and maybe tattoos). They will cram themselves into overcrowded vans and drive to crumby places like Bakersfield or Fresno to play shows in dive bars for a whisper of exposure; but never travel anywhere recommended by Condé Nast because they’re always saving up to make that next record.

Well, your friends at The Redwoods have five next records.

This is exciting news, because The Redwoods music label has gotten very good at making records. And if you put together a top ten list of the best female vocalists in San Diego, right now, all five women fronting Redwoods bands would be on it. It is known.

But it’s also a problem. Because while the Redwoods Music label / collective / family / revue boasts more than a dozen immensely talented local musicians, they generally happen to be not-rich. See above.

That’s why, after releasing five records on their own dime, they’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise cash for five fresh releases. Usually, they spend all their money on recording, production, artwork, design, duplication — one record at a time. Then, when they come home from working day jobs, they go out and play a hundred shows a year so they can sell enough copies of that record to pay to make the next one.

That’s not counting the days they spend in the studio; or the all day, every day, they spend sending each other song ideas, audio snippets, and other messages about how they can find ways to make their music better. They live and breathe this stuff, and the results of their hard work and dedication help prevent our music scene from disintegrating into a mess of Slightly Stoopid clones, and tribute bands. If that’s not worthy of a few crowdfunding bucks, I don’t know what is.

Take a listen to their music, and check out their pitch, and consider buying in to our local music scene — either by helping out Redwoods, or another local band you believe is trying to make something great. In these days of Pandora stations and Spotify playlists, keeping up a local music scene we can truly be proud of takes a more direct involvement.

Besides, you’ll get more out of it than fan cred. Kickbacks for contributions include album downloads, unreleased demos, and rare vinyl releases. For $28 you can even get a hand-painted Dani Bell and the Tarantist-style mask.

And if you’re sitting there on a pile of money taking offense that I don’t think you can make a great record, prove me wrong. Kick $5K towards the Redwoods GoFundMe, and label cofounders Matt Molarius and Alfred Howard will write and produce a record exclusively for you. You can be like that pharmaceutical bro who bought the only copy of that Wu Tang record, except actually beloved by your community.

Actually, Matt says, “We’re hoping Martin Shkreli gets word of this.”

“We’ll make it specifically for him,” adds Al. “He’s not going to like it.”

Photos courtesy Kristy Walker / Studio Vérité Photography

]]>http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/blog/time-buy-local-music/This summer’s must-have meal is being served under a tree in Mexicohttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UrbanistGuide/~3/ulrwG3-xopc/
Sat, 29 Jul 2017 20:35:13 +0000http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/?p=19306If you love great food and unforgettable dining experiences, here’s a sweet little road trip that should be on your itinerary this summer. Acclaimed Baja chef Javier Plascencia and photographer Jaime Fritsch have brought their Animalón pop-up south, serving an 8 course meal under a century-old oak tree near Plascencia’s restaurant Finca Altozano in the Valle de Guadalupe. […]

]]>If you love great food and unforgettable dining experiences, here’s a sweet little road trip that should be on your itinerary this summer.

Acclaimed Baja chef Javier Plascencia and photographer Jaime Fritsch have brought their Animalón pop-up south, serving an 8 course meal under a century-old oak tree near Plascencia’s restaurant Finca Altozano in the Valle de Guadalupe. There’s a deck built around the base of the vast tree, which has multiple trunks arching outward to form a domed canopy. With thick foliage drooping around the perimeter, and lanterns hanging from its branches, the unique outdoor space feels almost like an enclosed restaurant.

On its own, the special, peaceful setting is worth the two hour drive from downtown. But the $90 ticket also includes eight courses of chef Plascencia’s outstanding food, and impeccable dining service throughout a leisurely and memorable meal that beautifully captures all stirrings of Baja wine country in our collective imaginations.

If it wasn’t such a gorgeously rendered paean to Baja-Med cuisine, I’d almost think of it as a consolation meal. When Plascencia stepped away from his restaurants in San Diego earlier this year, our culinary scene lost some of its shine. His presence elevated our national profile, and his insistance on sourcing a broad spectrum of traditional Mexican ingredients literally brought a greater palette of flavors to our city.

But nothing compares to visiting Plascencia in his element. For this Baja excursion, expect to be treated to star ingredients sourced from the region’s farms and oceans, like locally-farmed Kumamoto oysters, served within a bed of seaweed, topped by a grape from the vineyard you’ll pass on the way in. The next course, you may encounter a potato blini topped with caviar. All of them feature such beautiful presentation, you’ll stop to take a picture. I think I saw more photographers at this dinner than at a press conference with the mayor.

Limited to 50 tickets per day, the pop-up runs until September 9th, with seatings at 5:30pm and 8:30pm. Courses will change depending on ingredients and inspiration — during my visit, we were treated to the freshest imaginable uni, sous vide smoked abalone, buttery yellowtail aguachile, tender pork jowls in green olive mole, and this ranchero inspired cut of steak.

This dining excursion may be factored into a Baja day trip, but take my advice and gather a group of friends to stay in the valle overnight, so you can embrace the optional but highly recommended drink pairings with each course — $40 treats you to a curated bevy of local wines, and potentially barrel-aged beer, sweet liqueur, or mezcal.

If you don’t go, brace yourself. Because your social media feed will soon fill up with photos of friends who did — if it hasn’t already. And unless you happened to make it to Noma Mexico, you will feel as though you missed out.

Photos 2 and 6 courtesy Lindsay Bullis

]]>http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/blog/animalon/URBANIST High Fivehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UrbanistGuide/~3/yY07TSuWQsk/
Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:56:29 +0000http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/?p=192961. La Bodega It came back strong from a winter hiatus, and La Bodega Gallery is en fuego this summer. When people line up to see art, like at July’s Frida Kahlo Art Show, you’re doing everything right. 1. Fair@44 City Heights has become a proving ground for food entrepreneurs thanks to the Fair@44 pop up outdoor market. […]

]]>1. La Bodega
It came back strong from a winter hiatus, and La Bodega Gallery is en fuego this summer. When people line up to see art, like at July’s Frida Kahlo Art Show, you’re doing everything right.

1. Fair@44
City Heights has become a proving ground for food entrepreneurs thanks to the Fair@44 pop up outdoor market. Explore its international flavors Wednesday nights from 4-8pm.

3. Rock the Pale Ale
Thorn Brewing put out these cans featuring the familiar design elements of a certain favorite rock venue. Pairs well with shows at The Casbah.

4. Bar Pink
Speaking of rocker bars, has it really been ten years? North Park was a different place when Bar Pink opened a decade ago, and wouldn’t be what it is today if the Swami and co. hadn’t brought the pink elephant zeitgeist to the ‘hood. Happy anniversary!

5. The Louie
Bankers Hill is developing nicely. Architect Lloyd Russel just brought his mixed-use modern vision to the neighborhood with this building, The Louie, at Fourth and Palm. With James Coffee as an anchor tenant, there’s more than one reason to stop by for a look.

]]>http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/blog/urbanist-high-five-6/Balboa Park + Barrio Logan = California Cultural Districtshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UrbanistGuide/~3/W-38yaoUB1E/
Thu, 13 Jul 2017 17:10:34 +0000http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/?p=19256We already knew Balboa Park and Barrio Logan were invaluable cultural centers of our city, and now they’ve been recognized as vital to the entire state. The California Arts Council just announced the two as California Cultural Districts. It’s the first time such a designation has been made, and it carries a term of five […]

]]>We already knew Balboa Park and Barrio Logan were invaluable cultural centers of our city, and now they’ve been recognized as vital to the entire state. The California Arts Council just announced the two as California Cultural Districts.

It’s the first time such a designation has been made, and it carries a term of five years. Out of dozens of applicants, only fourteen districts were selected, statewide, including downtown Oceanside, and Little Tokyo in LA. Each district receives a $5,000 annual grant to support their efforts “highlighting thriving cultural diversity and unique artistic identities within local communities across California.”

There’s little doubt Barrio Logan fits that bill. The Arts Council hailed the historic neighborhood as being “driven by a grassroots coalition of artists, community leaders, residents, and business owners who embody culture and are passionate about preserving it while staying relevant.”

Obviously, Balboa Park reigns as one of the top destinations in the city, for tourists and locals alike. The Arts Council praised its 100+ nonprofit and community organizations, proclaiming “Its greatest strength lies in the sheer number of cultural organizations within it, reflecting a diversity of disciplines, and providing a variety of immersion opportunities for visitors.” Its family-friendliness also didn’t hurt.

]]>http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/blog/balboa-park-barrio-logan-california-cultural-districts/Cocktails in the afternoonhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UrbanistGuide/~3/OGAiZb94yHQ/
Fri, 30 Jun 2017 19:26:41 +0000http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/?p=19141One of the best things about late summer sunsets is that happy hour feels like day drinking, even if you worked all day to get there. So we’re welcoming the best time of year to enjoy a refreshing cocktail by welcoming a few of San Diego’s new happy hours to the summer season. It’s always […]

]]>One of the best things about late summer sunsets is that happy hour feels like day drinking, even if you worked all day to get there. So we’re welcoming the best time of year to enjoy a refreshing cocktail by welcoming a few of San Diego’s new happy hours to the summer season. It’s always 4 o’clock somewhere.

Hundred Proof4130 Park Blvd
The team behind Trust just opened a stylish restaurant and bar in University Heights, and from 3-6pm weekdays its $11 cocktails become $7 cocktails. It also offers $5 draft beer, $6 wines, and $3 off food!

Et Voila!3015 Adams AveFor French bites with your boozy afternoon head to North Park for $6 beer and spirits, discounted wines by the glass, and $7 cocktails to pair with creative small plate specials. This happens from 4:30-7pm Sunday through Friday, and til 6pm Saturday. Order a soufflé with 25 minutes lead time to happy hour like a pro.

]]>http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/blog/cocktails-in-the-afternoon/URBANIST High Fivehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UrbanistGuide/~3/ogbegndkmH8/
Sat, 24 Jun 2017 23:54:09 +0000http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/?p=191251. Birdy Bardot The debut rocker from the new record speaks for itself — check out that voice! 2. Pig Meets Ramen Two of our favorites in one dish! For June only, Carnitas’ Snack Shack pork belly found its way into a bowl of Tajima Ramen! If it’s not July yet, get in on this […]

]]>http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/blog/urbanist-high-five-5/It’s wine week in San Diegohttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UrbanistGuide/~3/MjaYfIZh4BU/
Thu, 01 Jun 2017 04:23:15 +0000http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/?p=19049Beer Week is still five months away, but the third running of San Diego Urban Wine Week is happening now. San Diego’s urban winemakers make wine here in town, using grapes trucked from places like Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara growing regions, as well as vineyards as far away as Washington, and as near as east county. If […]

]]>Beer Week is still five months away, but the third running of San Diego Urban Wine Week is happening now.

San Diego’s urban winemakers make wine here in town, using grapes trucked from places like Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara growing regions, as well as vineyards as far away as Washington, and as near as east county.

If you like to drink craft beverages, here’s a chance to sample local urban winemakers during a series of special events.

A full list of events may be found here, but here are a few of the highlights:

Thursday, June 1stSip the City Kick Off Party — the entire line up of participating urban wineries will be pouring at the opening night event. $25 gets you in and sipping a wide variety of wines at The Headquarters at Seaport village.

Friday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 4th
All weekend, sister wineries Vesper and Stehleon Vineyards will be offering glasses of wine made from locally grown grapes for a mere $6 at its shared tasting room at 298 Enterprise St. Suite D.

Saturday, June 3rd:
Formerly of Hillcrest, Vinivanti wines has moved to Miramar and rebranded as Charlie & Echo, continuing to make natural and sparkling wines. Check out the grand opening of its new tasting room on Miralani Drive (next to Setting Sun Sake and several breweries).

Wednesday, June 7th
North Park’s Négociant Winery sources grapes from throughout California, and will test wine fans’ palates with a blind tasting contest. The winner gets a free month in Négociant’s wine club, but this is one of those scenarios where everybody wins.

]]>http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/blog/wine-week-san-diego/URBANIST High Fivehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UrbanistGuide/~3/6KhBGbulXOc/
Fri, 26 May 2017 03:10:52 +0000http://sandiego.urbanistguide.com/?p=190301. The Small Bar patio After a nine month long closure forced by the city, the Small Bar patio is officially back open, and justice once again reigns in University Heights. 2. The Lion’s Share cocktails Cocktail crafter Jason O’Bryan has introduced 20 new drinks since taking over as bar manager of the waterfront’s premier cocktail spot, including Heavy Petting Zoo, this concoction […]

]]>1. The Small Bar patioAfter a nine month long closure forced by the city, the Small Bar patio is officially back open, and justice once again reigns in University Heights.

2. The Lion’s Share cocktails
Cocktail crafter Jason O’Bryan has introduced 20 new drinks since taking over as bar manager of the waterfront’s premier cocktail spot, including Heavy Petting Zoo, this concoction of bourbon, Jägermeister, bitters, apple juice and honey.

3. City Tacos
North Park’s best taqueria turned three this month, and continues to innovate amazing new taco concepts, like its dessert taco, the Bunuelo: fried cinnamon and sugar tortilla with flambéed granny apples, raisins, caramel and marzipan.

4. More tacos!Over in Hillcrest, the Cohn’s opened Tacos Libertad — a gourmet taco shop that donates all of its profits each month to a different local charity! It’s rare to feel this good about yourself after gorging on tacos….